(Peru, Neb.) – The Peru State Bobcat softball team went 1-1 on their second day in the Friends Invitational in Wichita, Kan. The 'Cats topped Kansas Wesleyan (KWU) 3-2 and then fell by the same score to the tourney hosts. The Bobcats were to have played Dakota State (S.D.) in their second game, but for some reason that one was changed.
 
With the split, Peru State is now 5-7 on the season. KWU fell to 4-5 while Friends is now 7-2 on the year.
 
Kansas Wesleyan Action
 
The Coyotes scored first as they plated one in the bottom of the second after Peru State left two stranded in the top of the frame.

 
In the top of the third, the Bobcats got on the board. After an out, Morgan Wilke (Bakersfield, Calif.) reached on an error. Tyler Farrell (Brandon, Fla.) doubled to right to drive in Wilke to knot the score at 1-1. The 'Cats would eventually leave two base runners in scoring position.
 
Kansas Wesleyan would regain the lead in the bottom of the fifth with one run to go up 2-1.
 
After an out in the top of the sixth, Carlye Rothschild reached on an error. Alaina Lacy (Lincoln) also reached on an error and Rothschild moved to second. Bailey Deal (Timnath, Colo.) singled to center to load the bases. Takia Walker (Enterprise, Ala.) singled to center to drive in Rothschild to tie the score at 2 each. Wilke would reach on a fielder's choice which allowed Lacy to score. At the end of the half inning, the Bobcats led 3-2.
 
Peru State was able to hold off two KWU rallies as the Coyotes left two runners on base in each of the last two innings.
 
The 'Cats scored their three runs on nine hits and committed two errors. Kansas Wesleyan scored their two runs on ten hits and committed three errors.
 
Wilke and Deal each had two hits to lead Peru State. Walker, Wilke, and Farrell were each credited with one RBI.

 
Alana Krieser (Lincoln) threw five innings and earned the win. Krieser gave up seven hits, two earned runs and struck out one. Cheyenne Leach (Wymore) tossed the final two innings. Leach allowed three hits and did not give up any runs.

KANSAS WESLEYAN GAME BOOK
 
Friends Action
 
The Falcons scored one in the bottom of the first to take an early 1-0 lead.
 
Peru State would tie it in the top of the third inning. After the first out, Lacy singled to right. Walker would reach on a fielder's choice with Lacy put out for the second out. Wilke doubled to drive in Walker to tie the score at 1-1.
 
Friends would regain the lead in the bottom of the fourth by scoring two runs to go up 3-1.
 
The 'Cats had an opportunity to tie it in the top of the fifth, but ended up leaving two on base. The Bobcats would also leave a runner on base in the top of the sixth.
 
In the top of the seventh, Kacie Salazar (Bakersfield, Calif.) started the inning with a single to center. Brooklyn Franco (Syracuse, Utah) doubled to left with Salazar stopping at third. The next Bobcat struck out and then one ground out, but Salazar was able to score to make it 3-2. Franco moved to third on the play, but the next batter grounded out allowing Friends to win.
 
Friends scored their three runs on five hits and committed one error. Peru State scored their two runs on six hits and committed two errors.
 
Wilke had two hits to lead Peru State and had both RBI.

 
Layla Worthington (Holladay, Utah) started the game for the 'Cats and was tagged for the loss. Worthington threw 5.1 innings and allowed 4 hits, 3 earned runs, and struck out 2. Bailey Bitz (Ravenna) tossed the final two outs. Bitz gave up 1 hit.

FRIENDS GAME BOOK
 
Upcoming Games
 
Peru State is scheduled to host the College of St. Mary on Monday, March 8, if their field has dried enough over the past few days. The non-conference double header is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. The Flames have started the season with a 3-4 mark.
 
On Wednesday, March 10, the Bobcats will face another St. Mary – this time the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kan. The double header with the Spires is set to start at 1 p.m. St. Mary is presently 2-10 on the season.